More Patients have Access to Advanced, Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
ThedaCare recently acquired the newest robotic system – the da Vinci Xi Surgical System – and patients are already enjoying the benefits of the new technology. In 2007, Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah was the first to offer da Vinci technology in the Fox Cities and ThedaCare continues to be at the technological forefront by being the first healthcare system outside of Milwaukee and Madison to offer the latest da Vinci robotics.
ThedaCare surgeons have already helped hundreds of patients using da Vinci technology, and last week started offering this advanced, minimally invasive surgical option to more patients. According to William Boyd, director, perioperative service value stream at ThedaCare, the new system, which cost between $1.5 and $2.0 million, will more than double the number of minimally invasive surgeries performed at ThedaCare because more surgeons will be able to use the technology for more complex surgeries. Currently ThedaCare has 12 surgeons trained to use the da Vinci technology.
“This is an investment to provide more value to our surgical patients,” said Boyd. “The trend is toward minimally invasive surgery and this new robot provides a platform for many new innovations being brought into robotic surgery. The new system provides efficient access throughout the abdomen and chest and includes new features, such as wristed instruments, 3D-HD visualization, intuitive motion and an ergonomic design. The immersive 3D-HD vision system provides surgeons with a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient.”
Dr. Daniel Higgins, urologist with Wisconsin Institute of Urology, said the new system offers features that enhance patient safety. “For instance, the new system features a technology, called Firefly, that provides real-time, image-guided identification of key anatomical structures and blood vessels during surgery,” said Dr. Higgins. “We’re able to use it for more complex urologic surgeries, including some that couldn’t be done in the past using minimally invasive surgery.”
Dr. Eric Lawatsch, a urology colleague, said the new platform allows more instruments to be utilized by the surgeon. “Previously these devices (vessel sealer, stapler, etc.) were operated by the assistant, but with the new device they can all be operated by the surgeon,” said Dr. Lawatsch. “This is more efficient and safer for the patient.”
It also opens up minimally invasive surgery options for more types of surgeries. Dr. Lawatsch reports that ThedaCare is already using the new system for urology and gynecology, but expects it will be used for more general surgery applications in the future.
ThedaCare™ is a community health system consisting of seven hospitals: Appleton Medical Center, Theda Clark Medical Center, ThedaCare Medical Center-New London, Shawano Medical Center, Berlin Memorial Hospital, Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital, and Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca. ThedaCare also includes ThedaCare Physicians, ThedaCare Behavioral Health, and ThedaCare At Home. ThedaCare is one of the largest employers in Northeast Wisconsin with more than 6,800 employees. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
